DMK and VCK goons attack IMK leader Arjun Sampath, prevent him from paying respects to Babasaheb Ambedkar

Cadres belonging to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Thol. Thirumavalavan’s Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) gheraoed and tried to prevent Indu Makkal Katchi head Arjun Sampath from paying respects to Babasaheb Ambedkar’s statue at the memorial located in Raja Annamalai Puram in Chennai.

A group of VCK and DMK cadres wearing blue shirt and black t-shirts had locked the gates and kept shouting slogans like “We will uproot Sanatana Dharmam, we will eradicate saffron” while aggressively charging at the IMK members who had come to pay respects to Babasaheb Ambedkar on the occasion of his death anniversary. Many members belonging to the DMK carrying DMK flags were also present at the venue.

Two members belonging to Muslim community bearing VCK’s flag allegedly tried to snatch Arjun Sampath’s saffron shawl that was worn around his neck.

A few members belonging to ‘Periyarist’ organizations and Communists surrounded the IMK leader and kept raising inciting slogans.

One of the members can be heard saying that those who chant ‘Bharath Mata ki Jai’ will never be allowed inside.

However, Arjun Sampath along with cadres of the IMK managed to get inside with the help of police and paid respects to Dr. Ambedkar’s statue.

Speaking to The Commune, Arjun Sampath said “These so called flagbearers of social justice are practicing a kind of untouchability by preventing me from paying respects to Babasaheb. They should be ashamed of themselves to use Babasaheb’s name. He is not a leader of the VCK or the DMK. He is a leader for all Indians”

He added that such undemocratic and ruthless behaviour of VCK and DMK goons will not prevent them and that they would be visiting 5 places where Ambedkar’s statue has been kept to pay respects.

“IMK follows the principle of Babasaheb where as these VCK goons follow the principles of EVR [known as ‘Periyar’ by his followers]”, the IMK leader said.

He said that the VCK head should monitor and control his cadres who are bringing disrepute to Babasaheb’s name. He also urged the Tamil Nadu government to take action against such miscreants added that the IMK is always ready to engage with the VCK on forums of dialogue and not in violence.